Wagner: School Aid Calculations Need To Be Fixed

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner is warning that the property value calculations that help determine district-by-district state aid for public school systems are badly flawed.

Wagner said Thursday that his office's review of the 2008 property value data compilation and analysis found widespread flaws. He's warning that the tiny agency that manages the process should be fixing it with more urgency.

Tax equalization board member Dan Guydish didn't dispute that problems exist. But he says the agency is getting new computer software in June and should then be able to repair any problems in the 2008 and 2009 numbers. In the meantime, he says the board can address problems raised by school districts that are writing their budgets for next year.